‘Heroes’ star Hayden Panettiere dies aged 36, father confirms

Panettiere’s role as a cheerleader with superpowers in “Heroes” propelled her to fame in 2006

Hayden Panettiere, star of popular television series including Heroes and Nashville , has died. She was 36.

Panettiere’s father, Skip, announced the actress’ death in a statement provided to ABC News on Sunday.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” his statement said.

No cause of death was announced, and a publicist for Hayden Panettiere did not immediately respond.

Panettiere, who would have turned 37 on Friday, began her career as a child actor in commercials and soap operas.

Her role as a cheerleader with superpowers in Heroes propelled her to fame in 2006, with the series revolving around the mantra, “Save the cheerleader, save the world.”